Category Archives: Family
Can I Appeal a Family Court Decision in New York State?
Yes, you can file an appeal if a judge makes a family court decision that you disagree with. To initiate the appeal, you must submit a Notice of Appeal and pay the required filing fee. The notice must include the names of the parties involved, the case number, and the grounds for the appeal…. Read More »
Can the New York Courts Annul My Marriage?
Annulment is the less traditional way to dissolve a marriage. Unlike divorce, when a marriage is annulled, the law declares that the marriage is not valid. There are two types of marriages that can be annulled in New York State. Those are void and voidable marriages. A void marriage is a marriage that essentially… Read More »
Can the New York Courts Suspend My Driver’s License for Failing to Pay Child Support?
The State of New York considers driving a privilege, not a right. The state can suspend your driver’s license for any number of reasons. Coming as a surprise to some, one of those reasons is failure to pay child support. Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 510, your driver’s license can be… Read More »
Can Mediation Work for My High-Conflict Divorce?
A divorce would be characterized as high conflict when there is a large degree of animosity between the two spouses. In such a case, it may be tempting to litigate your divorce by going to court to battle through every element of the divorce and have a judge render all the final decisions. However,… Read More »
Can You Terminate Alimony Payments in New York?
When a court orders a spouse to pay spousal maintenance or alimony to the other spouse during a divorce, it can be very difficult to terminate the alimony payments. Spousal maintenance is not awarded in every divorce case, but if there is a significant gap in one of the party’s finances or earning capacity… Read More »
What Issues Are Addressed During Mediation in New York?
Mediation is a less contentious way to dissolve a marriage when compared to traditional litigation. It offers the couple a chance to resolve their differences with the help of a skilled neutral third party who facilitates discussion and helps the process of negotiation. Couples can resolve all the same issues that traditional litigation allows… Read More »
What is the Divorce Mediation Process Like in New York State?
Mediation is one way to cooperatively end a marriage in New York State. You and your former spouse sit together with a neutral third party who guides the process of finalizing your divorce. The process involves avoiding the courtroom and judges who will make decisions on your behalf. You’ve heard about mediation, but what… Read More »
Understanding the Differences Between Litigation and Mediation
Litigation is the traditional way to dissolve a marriage. The couple battles it out in an adversarial process before a judge. The judge renders decisions based on a firm application of the law. Neither side, generally, goes away happy. Plus, there are substantial costs involved with each side having their own attorney, presenting expert… Read More »
How Does the Divorce Mediation Process Work in Rockland County, NY?
Divorce mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that is more amicable, less expensive, and a faster alternative to traditional divorce litigation. During mediation, you and your spouse hire a mediator to help review your divorce case and guide you through the process of negotiating a settlement. The divorce mediator helps you understand… Read More »
When Does a Spouse Qualify for Alimony?
Alimony is designed to provide essential support to a spouse who needs financial assistance in order to maintain their standard of living. However, not every spouse in New York State qualifies for alimony, and New York courts consider various factors when deciding whether a spouse is eligible. In this article, the Law Office of… Read More »